Tashira Halyard, a former litigator turned solopreneur, content creator, and activist, joins Kyla to share how she built a career that aligns with her values and creative passions. From navigating law school transfers to launching a blog that became a thriving business, Tashira breaks down what it means to truly own your career choices. If you’ve ever questioned whether you need the “traditional” lawyer path to succeed, this episode is full of insight, encouragement, and real talk about building a life that feels as good as it looks.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Tashira didn’t plan on becoming a full-time content creator, but what started as a creative outlet during law school turned into a business that now sustains her financially. Her blog and social media platforms have grown into a successful brand, offering collaborations with major companies and speaking opportunities that align with her values.

Now, instead of hiding her creative work, she fully embraces it. From styling advice to financial literacy, she shares content that reflects her multidimensional interests while leveraging her legal knowledge to negotiate brand deals and run a sustainable business. Her journey demonstrates that side hustles aren’t just about extra income—they can evolve into careers that provide both financial freedom and creative fulfillment.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• How to confidently step away from traditional legal roles and create a career that works for you
• Why negotiating, brand-building, and self-advocacy are crucial skills lawyers can use beyond the courtroom
• How to balance financial security with creative freedom in a solopreneurship or side hustle

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Tashira’s journey from law school at FAMU to Georgetown and how she navigated transferring
• The role of community and mentorship in building a sustainable and fulfilling legal career
• How to use social media for professional and personal growth without burnout

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Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyer

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Neena Speer, a published author, founder of a nonprofit, and solo practitioner, joins Kyla to share how she built a purpose-driven career rooted in mentorship, advocacy, and transparency. From creating her nonprofit Step 1-2-3 to writing Dear Future Lawyer, Neena opens up about the challenges of law school, embracing failure, and the power of mentorship to create lasting change. This episode is an inspiring look at how lawyers can turn their personal experiences into impactful careers that align with their values.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Neena’s side hustles reflect her commitment to mentorship and storytelling, demonstrating how lawyers can channel their passions into impactful projects. Her nonprofit, Step 1-2-3, was born from a personal promise to remain a lifelong mentor to a student she guided during a program that later lost contact with her mentees. The program has since grown into a nationwide and virtual initiative, connecting mentors and mentees across the U.S. and even globally.

Beyond her nonprofit, Neena’s side hustle as an author has had a profound impact on minority female law students. Dear Future Lawyer serves as both a survival guide and a source of encouragement, addressing the unique challenges faced by minority women in law school. By sharing her personal story and lessons learned, Neena has created a platform that empowers others to embrace authenticity and resilience in their legal journeys. Her side hustles are deeply intertwined with her core mission of mentorship and advocacy, proving that lawyers can create meaningful, multifaceted careers.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• How to transform your personal experiences into purpose-driven projects
• Why embracing failure and sharing your authentic story can empower others and redefine your career
• Actionable advice for creating mentorship programs that foster meaningful, lasting connections

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Neena’s journey from law school to becoming an author, nonprofit founder, and solo practitioner
• The importance of finding your “why” in law school and how it can shape your career
• Practical tips for navigating challenges as a minority female law student and lawyer

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Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyer

Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

Olivia “Liv” Ash, a lawyer, artist, author, and health educator, discusses how she blends creativity and advocacy to address loneliness and foster connection. As the founder of Liv Balanced, LLC and author of Painting the Landscape of Loneliness, Liv shares her journey of using art and research to inspire others to embrace vulnerability and self-expression. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of how lawyers can leverage their skills and passions to build meaningful, multidimensional careers.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Liv’s side hustles as a galleried abstract artist and author exemplify how lawyers can pursue creative passions while maintaining their professional careers. Her art, which is deeply personal and therapeutic, allows her to express emotions and explore themes of connection and isolation. Liv’s paintings are not only exhibited in galleries but also featured prominently in her projects, such as the cover of her book, Painting the Landscape of Loneliness.

In addition to her artistic endeavors, Liv is a published author whose book explores the epidemic of loneliness and provides strategies for building meaningful connections. She draws from her personal experiences, research, and professional expertise to offer readers a roadmap to self-discovery and healing. Through her side hustles, Liv proves that lawyers can use their skills and passions to create meaningful work that extends far beyond the legal field.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• How to identify and leverage your legal skills for opportunities outside of traditional practice.
• Why exploring non-traditional career paths can lead to greater fulfillment and alignment with your passions.
• Tips for navigating transitions and managing self-doubt during career changes.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Olivia’s personal journey from practicing law to finding a creative and fulfilling career.
• The importance of community and mentorship in career transitions.
• How to balance professional responsibilities with personal growth and exploration.

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Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyer

Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

Christine Job, a business strategist and podcast host, shares her inspiring journey of moving to Spain and creating a fulfilling life abroad. In this episode, Christine reveals how she helps women of color build businesses that support professional and financial wellness, and why living abroad can be a pathway to true personal growth. If you’ve ever dreamed of living internationally while pursuing your passions, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Christine’s entrepreneurial journey began in law school when she explored business incubators and started consulting on the side. She discovered that lawyers are uniquely positioned to turn their expertise into thriving businesses by identifying their marketable skills and addressing client needs. Her work now focuses on helping women of color launch businesses abroad, blending her legal and strategic expertise.

Christine encourages lawyers to embrace non-traditional careers, whether through side hustles or full-time ventures. Her approach highlights the importance of aligning your passions with your expertise to create businesses that offer both personal fulfillment and financial freedom.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• How to build a business abroad using your existing expertise and marketable skills.
• Why professional fulfillment and financial wellness should guide your decisions when moving abroad.
• Tips for crafting a life abroad that aligns with your personal and professional goals.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Christine’s personal journey to Spain and how she transitioned to entrepreneurship.
• The importance of recognizing your accomplishments and trusting your instincts.
• How Christine’s podcast, Flourish in the Foreign, empowers women to tell their stories and embrace their own paths.

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Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.

Follow the podcast:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyer

Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

Rachel Clar, founder of Interconnected Us, helps women lawyers leverage connections and grow their influence in the legal field. In this episode, Rachel shares actionable insights on networking, confidence building, and creating meaningful professional relationships. Whether you’re looking to bring in new business or expand your opportunities, Rachel’s advice will inspire you to take the next step in your career.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Rachel Clar’s entrepreneurial journey illustrates how side hustles can evolve into full-time careers that align with your passions and skills. Through her coaching business, Interconnected Us, Rachel helps women lawyers leverage their networks, grow their influence, and build careers that reflect their true potential. What began as informal coaching for friends on evenings and weekends became a thriving business, empowering women lawyers to take control of their careers and step into leadership roles with confidence.

Interconnected Us offers women lawyers a structured approach to networking and growth, starting with Rachel’s Rainmaking Roadmap, a three-hour intensive designed to solve a specific problem and create a tailored strategy for success. From there, participants can join her mastermind program, where Rachel delves deeper into confidence-building, professional development, and actionable steps to achieve long-term career goals. Her programs are grounded in the belief that lawyers already possess the skills they need to succeed, and with the right mindset and tools, they can unlock incredible opportunities. Rachel’s work demonstrates the potential of turning a

LISTEN TO LEARN

• How to build and use your network effectively to grow your legal career.
• Why confidence and mindset shifts are critical for professional success.
• Tips for having powerful conversations that lead to business growth and career advancement.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Rachel’s journey from practicing law to coaching women lawyers.
• The importance of cultivating kindness in your internal and external boundaries.
• How to reframe self-doubt and use vulnerability as a tool for growth.

Join the FREE mailing list!

Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer.

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4) Get emails from me (I won't fill your inbox with junk)!

Interact with You Are A Lawyer

Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.

Follow the podcast:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyer

Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

Kate Dwyer, a public interest fellow and legal advocate, shares her bold decision to step off the traditional law school conveyor belt and prioritize her mental health over societal expectations. In this inspiring episode, Kate talks about the realities of failing the bar exam, why the path to becoming a lawyer isn’t one-size-fits-all, and how trusting yourself can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Kate’s journey demonstrates that a legal career doesn’t have to follow a straight path. By stepping back from the bar exam and prioritizing her well-being, she opened herself up to non-traditional roles that still utilize her legal education. For lawyers and law students alike, Kate’s story highlights the value of exploring JD-advantage jobs or side hustles that provide fulfillment outside of traditional practice.

Lawyers can combine their passions and practical skills to create meaningful careers without sacrificing their mental health. Whether it’s advocacy, public interest work, or project management, Kate encourages others to trust themselves and seek out roles that align with their values and aspirations.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• How to prioritize your mental health and redefine what success means after law school.
• Why the bar exam does not determine your worth or professional capabilities.
• How to trust yourself when making career decisions and embrace a non-traditional legal path.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Kate’s experience working in immigration law and her passion for advocacy.
• The systemic flaws of the bar exam and the importance of reform.
• How social media, like Twitter, can foster community, vulnerability, and validation for lawyers and law students.

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Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer.

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4) Get emails from me (I won't fill your inbox with junk)!

Interact with You Are A Lawyer

Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.

Follow the podcast:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyer

Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

Joel Oster, a constitutional lawyer turned stand-up comedian, shares how he combined his passion for public speaking with his legal expertise to create a career he loves. From teaching hilarious CLE courses to arguing cases at the U.S. Supreme Court, Joel’s journey is filled with practical advice and laugh-out-loud moments. This episode offers inspiration for lawyers looking to break free from traditional paths and find joy in their work.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Joel’s career is a testament to the power of side hustles and blending passions with professional expertise. By merging his love for public speaking and humor with his legal background, Joel created a unique business teaching CLEs and performing legal stand-up comedy. He encourages lawyers to explore creative outlets and think beyond traditional career paths.

Lawyers with side hustles can not only diversify their income but also find new ways to engage with their profession. Joel’s approach shows how stepping outside the norm can lead to fulfilling opportunities that still leverage your legal skills.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• How to leverage your legal skills to create a unique and fulfilling career path.
• Why combining your passions with your professional expertise can lead to incredible opportunities.
• Practical tips for engaging your audience, whether in CLEs, public speaking, or courtroom advocacy.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Joel’s experience as a constitutional lawyer arguing cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.
• The power of humor in making legal concepts memorable and accessible.
• Lessons on perseverance and risk-taking when shifting career directions.

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Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer.

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4) Get emails from me (I won't fill your inbox with junk)!

Interact with You Are A Lawyer

Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.

Follow the podcast:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyer

Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

Alex Mitchell, owner of Cumberland Law Group, shares his journey from law school to building a thriving multi-state law firm specializing in tax defense, criminal defense, and personal injury. In this episode, Alex reveals how strategic networking and authentic connections have propelled his career, offering practical advice for young lawyers and law students looking to grow their legal careers. Whether you're exploring niche practice areas or dreaming of running your own firm, Alex’s story is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Alex’s journey underscores the diverse opportunities a law degree can unlock, including side hustles and non-traditional legal careers. While many law students envision roles at big law firms or in traditional practice areas, Alex points out that the legal profession offers space for entrepreneurial ventures and specialized niches. His own career pivot into tax law highlights how identifying untapped markets can lead to fulfilling and lucrative opportunities. For lawyers seeking alternative paths, Alex recommends embracing the versatility of a law degree and exploring roles in compliance, consulting, or other adjacent fields where legal expertise is highly valued.

Alex also emphasizes the importance of staying open to unexpected opportunities, sharing how his firm expanded during the pandemic by identifying a market gap in North Carolina. His story illustrates how side hustles and non-traditional careers can emerge from networking and strategic decision-making. For those considering a leap outside of traditional practice, Alex’s advice is clear: leverage your legal knowledge to create unique solutions and value in spaces where it’s most needed.

LISTEN TO LEARN

• How strategic networking can open doors and create career-defining opportunities in law.
• Why identifying niche markets, like tax law, can position you as a sought-after expert.
• Practical tips for balancing law firm management with active casework and client representation.

WE ALSO DISCUSS

• Alex’s journey from aspiring prosecutor to tax attorney and multi-state law firm owner.
• The importance of authenticity and building genuine professional relationships.
• Insights into overcoming imposter syndrome and thriving as a first-generation lawyer.

Join the FREE mailing list!

Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer.

1) Visit www.youarealawyer.com

2) Add your email address to the Subscribe pop-up box OR

3) Enter your email address on the right side of the screen

4) Get emails from me (I won't fill your inbox with junk)!

Interact with You Are A Lawyer

Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.

Follow the podcast:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyer

Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com